Help Us Enforce Stricter Regulation for Composting

Deneen Tomlinson is organizing this fundraiser.

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We are residents of the Yankee Flats area of the CSRD and are in need of your support to address a potentially serious environmental issue affecting our community.

Located in this area is a compost facility which has been in operation for a number of years and currently violates several key environmental standards set out by the Ministry of Environment and the CRSD. Due to the lack of compliance this facility is a source of foul odours and we believe there is a very high risk to both soil and water contamination. The site also attracts many bird species which feed on the compost material resulting in material (meat and bones) being spread over the surrounding properties which appears to be threatening both the local ecosystems and potentially public health.

The compost facility operation fails to meet Ministry of Environment standards and this non compliance currently has 9 offences. An example of one of the issues is improper cook temperatures (low temperatures) this results in harmful microorganisms and bacteria not being adequately destroyed by the heat. Low temperatures lead to incomplete decomposition, the release of harmful gases and a product which fails to meet regulatory standards for a Class A compost material. Proper temperature control is essential to ensure the compost material that does not pose an environmental or health risk and that the facility meets regulatory compliance.

Examples of the gases commonly generated and released from compost facility are:

Methane

Ammonia

Hydrogen Sulfide

Carbon Dioxide

Nitrous Oxide

Another significant concern relates to potential processing of euthanized horses at this facility. Carcasses of euthanized horses contain toxic levels of pharmaceuticals which are used in the euthanizing process. Once ground up there is a risk for consumption by wildlife and the leaching of contaminates into nearby waterways or the ground water tables.

One will also find located on this site large piles of plastic materials without the required impermeable surface to protect the surrounding soils and the aquifer under this facility. This may result in micro plastics migrating into the Salmon River causing harm to salmon environment.

Compost sites are known to have large piles of material on site. This facility is no different and these large piles generate a considerable amount of heat if not turned over on a regular basis thus providing a substantial source of fuel for a fire. This site in particular has experienced spontaneous fire resulting in the local fire department being called to the site. Given the extreme fire risks over the past five years any source of combustion must be considered a very real threat to triggering a wildfire.

Despite all of the violations of this facility and the lack of proper enforcement by the CSRD and the Ministry of Environment we feel that our quality of life is being impacted each and every day. We are extremely frustrated by the lack of compliance and enforcement and have had enough. Therefor,

What we are endeavoring to do:

Working to ensure this facility is brought into compliance under current regulations and hold this facility accountable for any environmental impact resulting from its operation. We are asking for your support to assist in funding the legal and environmental costs associated with our actions as we push for change and to ensure that our community and natural resources are protected.

Your donation will help cover:

Legal costs for environmental action

Expert environmental consultants, testing and assessments to evaluate the full extent of the contamination

Efforts to raise public awareness and mobilize our community

Advocacy to ensure proper regulation and enforcement by the regulatory agencies/authorities

Why this matters:

This is not just a local issue – we believe every community has the right to clean air, water and safe place to live. It’s about preserving our soil, water and ensuring that our environment is treated with the respect it deserves all the while preserving the health of our community.

Please join us in the fight for a cleaner, safer and healthier future. Any contribution, big or small, will help make a difference. Together, we can hold the facility accountable and ensure future generations inherit an environment they can thrive in.

Thank you for your support!